Panasonic S1 vs Sony HX50V

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic S1 versus Sony HX50V, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the S1 (24MP) and the HX50V (20MP) is very well matched but the S1 (Full frame) and HX50V (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The S1 was announced 5 years later than the HX50V and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX50V being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summation of how the S1 scores against the HX50V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Sony HX50V Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic S1 provides outside measurements of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") accompanied by a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs) whilst the Sony HX50V has dimensions of 108mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 272 grams (0.60 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic S1 versus Sony HX50V in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the S1 compared to the HX50V.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S1 and HX50V is 54 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by looking at specs. The visual here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the S1 and HX50V.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S1 with its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic S1 will give you greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The more modern S1 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.